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Old   April 14, 2012, 16:29
Default FEM heat transfer problem
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Rafal
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Hello everyone!

I'm trying to make a program that uses finite element method (FEM) to transient heat transfer. I'm using Matlab and already have a meshing algorithm. I'm trying to understand how to go further. The best for me would be to understand a simple example. So I've made one – a simple cube.

I've put everything in a *.pdf file to make everything clear by proper text format. I marked all my (5) questions in red. They are also numbered so you can write answers to "question no #". Everything else is written in pdf. Link to download:
http://wyslijto.pl/plik/g66y5hcqtt - click in FEM [v0.1].pdf

In shortcut: I don't understand solving a FEM heat transient problem. I try to make it in Matlab. I made a simple cube example, it's made from 6 tetrahedra. I'm looking for someone to help me with my problems by solving this example or showing me a text algorithm how to do this - step by step. I will be really grateful for any help.

Best regards, Reload.
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Old   April 16, 2012, 06:45
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Rami Ben-Zvi
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Reload,

It's simple, and I'll just sketch the FEM procedure for the case in hand (conduction, transient solution).

Let us write the equation (using tensor notation) as:
\rho C_{p}\partial T/\partial t=-q_{i,i}+G
with
q_{i}=-kT_{,i}

Assume T distribution within an element is
T=\sum_{I}N{_I}T{_I}
with N_I and T_I being the nodal shape functions and temperatures, and the sum is on the element nodes.
Now, apply Galerkin's method, i.e., integrate both hands multiplied by N_J over the element volume.

The LHS will be
\partial T_{J}/\partial t\int_{V}\rho C_{p}N_{I}N_{J}dV

The RHS, after using intergation by parts and the Gauss theorem, yields
-\int_{\partial V}N_{J}q_{n}dA-T_{J}\int_{V}N_{I,i}kN_{J,i}dV+\int_{V}N_{J}GdV
The first term on the RHS is the boundary normal flux, integrated over the element surface.

Now sum over all the elements and assemble to get the global matrix equation
M_{IJ}\dot{T}_{J}=BC \: term -K_{IJ}T_{J}+F_I

You have to specify appropriate initial conditions, the shape functions (apparently you used linear functions) and a time scheme (simple differencing will do). You also have to specify the boundary conditions. You may wish to choose G distribution (e.g., use the same shape function as for T), and - voila! That's the FEM in a nutshell.

I hope I have clarified your doubts,
Rami

Last edited by Rami; April 17, 2012 at 05:35.
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